8 Best Body Oils for Soft, Supple Skin and a Touch of Shine

Reported by Vogue.

Body oils have earned their place as a serious skincare category — not just a summer novelty for looking bronzed on a boat. According to Vogue, the science backs up the obsession: "Oils are the purest form of moisturizer," says Dr. Alicia Zalka, board-certified dermatologist and associate clinical professor of dermatology at Yale University, noting that because they contain zero water, they require far fewer preservatives than traditional lotions. The result is a cleaner, more concentrated formula that actually delivers on its promises — elasticity, nourishment, long-lasting glow.

The skeptics have a point, though. Heavy, film-y formulas that transfer onto every surface you touch are a legitimate concern — especially in summer. But that hesitation dissolves fast when you try the right one. Nuxe's iconic French pharmacy spray oil, a 98% naturally derived blend of tsubaki, argan, and macadamia oils with a vanilla-magnolia-orange-blossom finish, is the gateway drug. Dermatologist Dr. Zalka herself uses it as a nail treatment and calls out its non-greasy feel. Once you understand that body oils can feel lighter than lotion, there's no going back.

The Ones Actually Worth Your Money

For fragrance obsessives, Cyklar's Vitamin C Body Oil ($38) is the current obsession — oil-soluble vitamin C for brightening, squalane and ectoin for barrier support, and a scent so good the brand had to launch a matching perfume oil. Costa Brazil's Kaya Jungle Firming Oil ($64) is the one that converts skeptics into loyalists: dense in omegas and antioxidants from rainforest-sourced kaya, cacay, and breu, it absorbs slowly on purpose — the better for massage and deeper penetration, according to esthetician Kristyn Smith, founder of Practise NYC, who specifically recommends it for dry or aging skin needing an elasticity boost. Its cult following among Vogue editors eventually prompted a matching fragrance launch.

Osea's Undaria Algae Body Oil ($52) is the clinical overachiever of the group — rich in omega fatty acids, Undaria seaweed, passionfruit, and acai, it firms and smooths crepey skin after a single use while absorbing quickly enough that you won't spend twenty minutes air-drying before getting dressed. Model Abby Champion uses it on her neck specifically for preventative care. Smart. For anyone who wants drama with their hydration, Victoria Beckham's Portofino '97 Golden Shimmer Oil ($95) and Tom Ford's Soleil Blanc Shimmering Body Oil both deliver a lit-from-within finish. Budget-friendly entry point? Aveeno's Daily Moisturizing Body Oil Mist at $9 proves the category doesn't require a splurge.

Body oil isn't a luxury add-on — it's the step that makes everything else you put on your skin work harder, and the one that makes bare skin worth showing off.

Read the original at Vogue.